Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib


Hemkund Sahib:

“Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.

Hemkund Sahib - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib

Information about Hemkund Sahib:
Hemkund Sahib is around 512 Km from Delhi and around 238 Km from Rishikesh. Hemkund is surrounded by seven snowy peaks and glaciers. Hemkund which literally means “Lake of Snow” is probably the best metaphor that can be given to the high altitude ‘Lokpal’ lake and its pristine water present here. The lake is around 2 km in circumference and is fed by the glaciers from ‘Hathi Parvat” and “Saptrishi’ peaks. A small stream named ‘Him Ganga’ originates from this lake. The lake is frozen during winters.
Hemkund Sahib is at a height of 4329 m. Best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is May to June and September to Mid October. One can visit Hemkund Sahib in July and August if one wants to club Hemkund Sahib with Valley of Flowers.
Places to visit near Hemkund Sahib are Valley of Flowers, Badrinath, Mana Village (Last Indian Village), Vasudhara Falls etc.For more information on Badrinath, Mana and Valley of Flowers please visit my blogs on Badrinath, Mana and Valley of Flowers.

Hemkund Sahib - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib Trek:
After reaching Govindghat (on the Badrinath Highway) one has to Trek around 14 Km to reach Ghangharia. Once can avail Helicopter services from Govindghat to Ghangharia or can take ponies as well. One can also drive down or take shared taxis from Govindghat to Pulna and then Trek or take Ponies from Pulna. Distance of Pulna from Govindghat is around 4 Km.Trek difficulty level for the Trek from Govindghat/Pulna to Ghangharia is Easy to Moderate.
One has to cover a distance of 6 Km on foot or on ponies from Ghangharia to reach Hemkund Sahib. Trek difficulty level for the Trek from Ghangharia to Valley of Flowers is Moderate to difficult.

Hemkund Sahib - Frozen River - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib - Frozen River

History of Hemkund Sahib:
Historically Hemkund Sahib was known by the name “Lokpal” meaning ‘the sustainer of the people’ by the local inhabitants. Hemkund Sahib (also spelled Hemkunt) formally known as “Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, is now a Sikh place of worship and pilgrimage site. Hemkund Sahib finds its mention in Dasam Granth, a work dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth Sikh Guru, hence Hemkund Sahib is dedicated to Guru Gobind Singh Ji.
As per the Holy Granth Sahib, Guru Gobind Singh Ji had meditated on the bank of this lake in one of his earlier births.
There is a majestic Star shaped Gurudwara made up of white marble and concrete is built at place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji meditated. The exact location was vaguely alluded in the scriptures until the 1930s when two devotees researched and zeroed upon the exact location.

Hemkund Sahib - Hemkund Lake - Hemkund is surrounded by seven snowy peaks and glaciers. Hemkund which literally means “Lake of Snow” is probably the best metaphor that can be given to the high altitude ‘Lokpal’ lake and its pristine water present here. The lake is around 2 km in circumference and is fed by the glaciers from ‘Hathi Parvat” and “Saptrishi’ peaks. A small stream named ‘Him Ganga’ originates from this lake. The lake is frozen during winters.
Hemkund Sahib - Hemkund Lake

Legends/Mythology of Hemkund Sahib:
Folklore associates Hemkund Sahib to the place where Lakshmana, younger brother of Lord Rama, was brought after he fell lifeless; succumbing to the injuries he received from Meghnath in the Rama-Ravana war.
It is believed that Valley of Flowers also called “Gandhamadan” is the place from where Hanuman of Ramayana collected ‘Sanjeevani’ herb and revived Lakshmana.
After being revived by ‘Sanjeevani’ herb Lakshmana meditated at Hemkund to regain health. The Lakshmana Temple is believed to be the place where he regained health.
As per legends and accounts of descriptions suggested in Mahabharata this place is also believed to the place where king Pandu had meditated.

Hemkund Sahib - Lakshmana Temple - Folklore associates Hemkund Sahib to the place where Lakshmana, younger brother of Lord Rama, was brought after he fell lifeless; succumbing to the injuries he received from Meghnath in the Rama-Ravana war. It is believed that Valley of Flowers also called “Gandhamadan” is the place from where Hanuman of Ramayana collected ‘Sanjeevani’ herb and revived Lakshmana. After being revived by ‘Sanjeevani’ herb Lakshmana meditated at Hemkund to regain health. The Lakshmana Temple is believed to be the place where he regained health.
Hemkund Sahib - Lakshmana Temple

How to Reach Hemkund Sahib from Delhi:

Road Route– Delhi/Gurgaon--Rishikesh--Dev Prayag--Srinagar--Rudra Prayag--Joshimath--Govindghat--Hemkund Sahib                              Delhi/Gurgaon--Kotdwar--Dev Prayag --Srinagar--Rudra Prayag--Joshimath--Govindghat--Hemkund Sahib


Train Route– Delhi--Rishikesh  then by road further.

                      Delhi--Kotdwar then by road further.

                      Delhi--Haridar/Dehradun  then by road to Rishikesh and further. No train route ahead of Rishikesh.

                      Nearest Railway station Rishikesh/Kotdwar.

Flight Route– Delhi--Dehradun (Jollygrant) then by road to Rishikesh and further. No flight route ahead of Dehradun.


There are regular Buses for Badrinath from Delhi, Haridwar and Rishikesh. You might get shared taxis and Jeeps for Badrinath from Haridwar and Rishikesh. One can board a bus/taxi/jeep going to Badrinath and get down at Govindghat.
Personal Cars and Bikes ply quite often.
Roads open between 8 am to 8 pm. Check post at Pandukeshwar (Near Joshimath) regulates and restricts traffic.
Hemkund Sahib - Brahmakamal - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib - Brahmakamal

Other Useful Information  about Hemkund Sahib:

Hemkund Sahib Altitude/ Hemkund Sahib Height:

4329 m.

Hemkund Sahib Opening and Closing Months:

May to October

Best time/Best season to visit Hemkund Sahib:

May to June and September to Mid October. July and August if you want to club Hemkund Sahib with Valley of Flowers.

Hemkund Sahib Temperature/ Climate:

Average Temperate  in the months of May to October is between 17'C and 6'C. Hemkund Sahib has moderate weather in the months of May to June. It witnesses rainfall in the months of July to September and is snow bound in the months of November to April.

Hemkund Sahib Daily Opening Timings:

Hemkund Sahib Opens in morning and open until 2 pm. All the visitors need to leave Hemkund Sahib by 2 pm.

Hemkund Sahib - Waterfall on the way - “Gurudwara Sri Hemkund Sahib Ji”, as it is formally known, is a pilgrimage destination for the Sikhs and Hindus. There is a big star shaped Gurudwara and a Lakshmana Temple here. Hemkund Sahib Shrine and the Lakshman Temple is on the bank of a Lake having crystal clear water hence this place is also known as Hemkunt or Lokpal. The Gurudwara is visited by thousands of devotees every year. The mountains surrounding Hemkund Sahib is collectively called Hemkund Parvat.
Hemkund Sahib - Waterfall on the way


Distances:

                    Delhi to Hemkund Sahib: 512 km
                    Delhi to Rishikesh: 238 km
                    Rishikesh to Joshimath : 254 km
                    Rishikesh to Dev Prayag : 74 km
                    Dev Prayag  to Srinagar: 38 km
                    Srinagar to Rudra Prayag:33 km
                    Rudra Prayag to Joshimath: 114 km
                    Joshimath to Govindghat: 21 km
                    Govindghat to Ghangharia: 14 km Trek, Can be covered On Foot or  On Ponies (Rate of ponies
                                                                  approx 1000INR) or by Helicopter( Rate 3000-3500 INR).
                    Govindghat to Pulna: 4 km motorable road, you can take taxis etc from Govindghat,
                                                       or park own vehicles at Pulna.
                    Pulna to Ghangharia: 10 km Trek, On Foot or On Ponies available at Pulna (Rate of ponies
                                                       approx 800-900 INR).
                    Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib: 6 Km Trek, On Foot.
Hemkund Sahib - Hemkund Lake - Hemkund is surrounded by seven snowy peaks and glaciers. Hemkund which literally means “Lake of Snow” is probably the best metaphor that can be given to the high altitude ‘Lokpal’ lake and its pristine water present here. The lake is around 2 km in circumference and is fed by the glaciers from ‘Hathi Parvat” and “Saptrishi’ peaks. A small stream named ‘Him Ganga’ originates from this lake. The lake is frozen during winters.
Hemkund Sahib - Hemkund Lake

Fooding /Lodging/Hotels on Hemkund Sahib route : Meals and Hotels available at Rishikesh, Dev Prayag , Srinagar,Rudra Prayag,  Joshimath, Govindghat, Badrinath etc. Hotels need to be pre booked during peak season. GMVN Guest houses are also available.
Food options at Govindghat and Ghangharia are limited, but you would easily get North Indian Food.

***Life Savers: In case you don’t get booking anywhere or for last minute plans one can stay and dine at Gurudwaras at
Rishikesh, Pankhi  (“Gurudwara Sahib”,Garur ganga Distt. Joshimath), Joshimath, Govindghat (“Gurudwara Sri Govindghat”), Ghangharia (“Gurudwara Sri Govind Dham”) etc. The Food (Prasad) and Lodging is free of cost.


Clothing for Hemkund Sahib: May to September: Light to Heavy Woolens, Rain cover in Months of July and August
                                                       October: Heavy Woolens
** Carry Vaseline and Sunscreens to save yourself from Sunburns and charred lips & cheeks. Also when you are travelling by road during rainy season in India carry heavy duty rain coat, rain paints, wind cheaters, rain resistant boots etc as there is heavy rain pour and only heavy duty rain resistance/cover will last. Carry clothes that dry soon so even if they get wet they dry quickly.


 Petrol Pumps on Hemkund Sahib route: Rishikesh, Dev Prayag , Srinagar, Joshimath etc.
Last Petrol Pump on Hemkund Sahib route: Joshimath.
ATMs on Hemkund Sahib route available at: Rishikesh, Dev Prayag , Srinagar, Joshimath etc,
Last ATM on Hemkund Sahib route available at: Joshimath
Bike Repair Mechanics on Hemkund Sahib route available at : Rishikesh, Dev Prayag , Srinagar, Rudra Prayag , Joshimath.
Car Repair Mechanics on Hemkund Sahib route available at: Rishikesh, Srinagar, Joshimath.

 Hemkund Sahib Trek Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.
                                                          Pulna to Ghangharia 10 km Trek, Difficulty: Easy to Moderate.
                                                          Ghangharia to Hemkund Sahib 6 km Trek, Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult.


Phone Network Connectivity: Phone Network available till Joshimath.Limited network at Govindghat. No Network at Badrinath. One can get landline connectivity (if not hampered by weather) at Govindghat and Ghangharia.


Medical Care: Hospitals available at Rishikesh, Srinagar, Joshimath etc. Primary Health Care Center is available at  Ghangharia. Small Health care center also available at the Gurudwara at Ghangharia (“Gurudwara Sri Govind Dham”). Elderly People/Kids might need oxygen due to mountain sickness.

Places to Visit near Hemkund Sahib: Places to visit near Hemkund Sahib are Valley of Flowers, Badrinath, Mana Village (Last Indian Village), Vasudhara Falls etc.For more information on Badrinath, Mana and Valley of Flowers please visit my blogs on Badrinath, Mana and Valley of Flowers.

Any Special Permission Needed to Visit Hemkund Sahib: No

+ Disclaimer: Information provided above is based on self experience and collected from various other sources.
Location: Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Ji Chamoli district Uttarakhand 246130 India

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Ankur Tandon
Hello World!!! I am Ankur Tandon. I am a Software Engineer with a passion to travel and explore new places. Working with industry majors like Google, PwC, TCS etc has given me the opportunity to roam around the world. I have visited around 12 countries, numerous cities and places. Here I share with you my travel experiences, and information about various places.Hopefully it will help you better plan your next trip. “Sayonara” “ Astalavista” “AU Revoir”.